German Chancellor Friedrich Merz held a phone conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, during which the parties discussed the investigation into large-scale corruption in Ukraine’s energy sector. According to the German government, Zelensky assured Merz of full transparency in the investigation and promised support for independent anti-corruption agencies, as well as prompt implementation of measures to restore the trust of Ukrainians, European partners, and international donors.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Europe’s Expectations and Ukraine’s Position
Chancellor Merz emphasized the importance of continuing reforms in Ukraine, particularly in the area of the rule of law, and highlighted the expectation for a decisive fight against corruption. At the same time, Zelensky in his message stressed that Ukraine is coordinating its positions with European partners and is doing everything necessary to strengthen the trust of allies. He also mentioned that he informed Merz about the situation at the front and key steps to enhance the country’s defense capabilities.
Details of the Corruption Scandal in the Energy Sector
The corruption scandal in Ukraine’s energy sector has already caused a stir among European leaders. EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell called the situation “extremely regrettable” and emphasized the need for Kyiv to take the investigation seriously. He noted that public funds must be directed to support Ukraine’s defense, not embezzled by corrupt officials.
“There is no place for corruption, especially now. I mean, this is literally the people’s money that should be going to the front lines,” Borrell said in the corridors of the G7 foreign ministers’ meeting in Canada.
On November 10, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) reported the uncovering of a criminal organization that systematically received illegal benefits from the contractors of the state enterprise “Energoatom” ranging from 10% to 15% of the contract value. According to the investigation, about $100 million was laundered through a back office in central Kyiv, and the premises belonged to the family of former people’s deputy and now senator of the Russian Federation Andriy Derkach, who is also accused in another criminal case by NABU and SAP.
Among those involved in the case are: former business partner of Volodymyr Zelensky at “Quarter 95” Timur Mindich, who, according to law enforcement, has left Ukraine; former Minister of Energy Herman Halushchenko, whose resignation was initiated by the government; and former Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Chernyshov. NABU has announced suspicions against eight individuals, five of whom have already been detained, with some of them having been placed under arrest with the possibility of bail.
Additionally, government leader Yulia Svyrydenko reported on the submission to parliament regarding the dismissal of Minister of Energy Svitlana Hrynchuk.
According to NABU detective Oleksandr Abakumov, during the investigation, four ministers from various periods of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine were recorded in different situations. This means that not all of them are current officials.